Northland coach Donny Stevenson is hoping the return of Norm Berryman for tonight's match against Southland can remove the defensive woes that cost his side dearly against Waikato.
Berryman is back from illness and joins Josh Levi - who could not play against Waikato because it was aSunday game - in the midfield for the match at Whangarei.
Waikato exposed Northland's defence on the flanks and Stevenson said Berryman should go a long way to sorting that out.
"Norm's a big talker and you need someone with that real authority and experience," he said.
The inclusion of former Counties Manukau back Levi ahead of Jason Shoemark has been made to give Northland more attacking power in the midfield.
But it has rained constantly in Whangarei this week and with the All Blacks having trained at ITM Stadium, the ground is expected to be in a rough state.
"We've opted for our bigger guys, including bringing back Jason Hammond," Stevenson said. "Southland have lost Paul Miller and made a couple of changes but they have a traditional game based on their forwards so we've selected our team accordingly."
The loss of Miller, suspended for one week, is a blow to Southland, who rely on the big man for a lot of their momentum.
Northland have wing Matt Faleuka back from suspension. He replaces Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who has returned to Fiji.
Northland: Jared Going, Fero Lasagavibau, Norm Berryman, Josh Levi, Matt Faleuka, James Arlidge, Sam Payne, Jake Parangitai, Tu Tamarua, Mose Tuiali'i, Glenn Taylor (capt), Lee Jones, Tim Knight, Jason Hammond, Bronson Murray. Res: Tim Dow, Ted Carew, Brad Taylor, Luke Ottley; Lee Peina, Jason Shoemark, Manu Burkhardt-McRae.
Southland: Graydon Staniforth, Mana Harrison, Gavin Williams, Seremaia Bai, Hayden Martine, James Wilson/Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan, Daniel Quate, Ben Herring, Hale T-Pole, Steve Jackson (capt), Hoani Macdonald, Clarke Dermody, Jason Rutledge, Keith Cameron. Res: David Hall, Brett Roberts, Roger Newell, Pita Wilson/Iona Sipa; Jason Harrison, Apanui/Wilson, James Jowsey.
Referee: Steve Walsh. Kickoff: 7.35pm. TV: Live Sky Sports 1.
